Our BMW 3 Series Depreciation Analysis and Recommendations

Once driven off the new car lot, the BMW 3-series loses value quickly, as do most BMWs. For new purchases, after four years, your 3-series will be worth less than half of its original sticker price. However, if you want to let someone else get the new car smell, and you want to save a bunch of money, consider one that is a few years old, and still falls within BMW's "certified pre-owned program", also known as a CPO car. Some good deals can be found here, and given that their looks don't change much, no one will know that it's not a brand new car.

The 2016, 2017 & 2015 BMW 3 Series model years are currently the best values.

On average, expect to pay only 47% of the original cost with 67% of the vehicle's lifetime remaining for a 2016 3 Series. That gives it a Net Used Value® score of 19.38 which factors in annual maintenance costs, price decline, reliable years left and available inventory.

Also consider the 2017 & 2015 3 Series model years. Those currently have a generally low risk of any significant depreciation over the next several years.

Own a 2016 BMW 3 Series?

While we would advise holding onto this vehicle for a few years, that's not always the plan. Dealers have access to similar figures so they know that your vehicle has a low risk of depreciation.